KOSON -- "Egret on a Snowy Branch" (#15)

(Click HERE for additional image)
(Click HERE for additional image)
Artist KOSON (Shoson OHARA)
(1877-1945)
Title "Egret on a Snowy Branch"
(given name)
Date ca1910-23
(Believed pre-Earthquake.)
Provenance Acquired via a discriminating dealer/collector.
Series na
Publisher Watanabe Shozaburo
Seal, Carver/Printer (Publisher's seals never appear on these early "tanzanku" format prints.)
Image Size 6 3/8 x 14 1/4 ("tanzaku")
Original narrow margins--as published.
Impression Very Fine. Superbly executed "bokashi" shading; deep "gauffrage" (embossing) to snow accumulation and feathers; crisp lines; on a striking "jet-black" background.
Condition Nearly Excellent.
Excellent colors.

(Light toning; very slight wear.)
Reference/Illus "Crows, Cranes, and Camellias" pl. #156, pg 152, and book's front cover.
Comments Unquestionably Koson's finest "kacho-e" image. Quoting: "Richard Illing describes the print as 'a masterpiece of graphic art'.... one of the most highly valued designs by Koson." Rarely available--our 15th copy in now 18+ years. Pleasantly age-toned.
RARELY seen.
Item # GG-332
Price $3450